Astronomical Observatory (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
The University of Illinois Astronomical Observatory, located at 901 S. Mathews Avenue in Urbana, Illinois, on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, was built in 1896, and was designed by Charles A. Gunn. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 6, 1986, and on December 20, 1989, was designated a National Historic Landmark.
University of Illinois Astronomical Observatory | |
U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
U.S. National Historic Landmark | |
(2013) | |
| Location | 901 S. Mathews Ave. Urbana, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°6′18.9″N 88°13′34.1″W |
| Built | 1896 |
| Architect | Charles A. Gunn |
| Architectural style | Observatory, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003155 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | November 6, 1986 |
| Designated NHL | December 20, 1989 |
Though none of the astronomical instruments are being used for professional research today, the observatory still contains a 12" Brashear refractor. The observatory played a key role in the development of astronomy as it was home to a key innovation in the area of astronomical photometry. The facility has been directed by such noted scientists as Joel Stebbins and Robert Horace Baker.
Erected at the behest of the Illinois General Assembly, the University of Illinois Observatory became important in the development of astronomy due, in large part, to pioneering research by Dr. Stebbins, from 1907 to 1922. Joel Stebbins left the University of Illinois in 1922 but left behind a legacy of discovery that helped alter the face of modern astronomy. The building served the University of Illinois astronomy department from its opening until 1979, when the department moved into a new, larger building to house its growing staff.